Sharklife Conservation Internship

"This well rounded program is suited to shark enthusiasts of all levels"

Overview:

Established in 2005 as a non-profit organisation, Sharklife addresses the alarming exploitation of both shark populations and ocean fisheries in South African waters. The program aims to nurture shark conservation ambassadors through knowledge development, hands-on training and up to 30 hours on the ocean, encountering a multitude of marine wildlife.

If you are considering a career that involves being in the ocean, then this program will benefit you. Consider the Sharklife Conservation Internship as a means of developing the following skills.

Program Details:

Location: Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Duration: 14 days

Cost: $1 100

As the project is based in a remote rural area there are extra expenses involved. Nonetheless we have tried our best to balance the costs to make your trip both affordable and comfortable.

Fees Include:

Airport transfers

Private room accommodation

Freediving Certification

Lectures, materials, certifications

Park entry fees

Boating expenses

Dive gear

Wifi

24hr support

Food and Drinks:

There are daily trips to the local supermarket where all common food and beverages are available. There is a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your food or if you prefer catered food there is a restaurant on site you can visit.

Location Details:

Sodwana Bay is located in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa. The village borders the pristine world heritage site known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The park is South Africa's third-largest protected area, spanning 280 km of coastline and is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1 200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. Sodwana Bay is also a short drive from a selection of Big 5 Game Reserves which you can visit on your days off. More info >> Sodwana Bay - Wikipedia

Watch the video below:

Some FAQ's

What do I get from the program?

Through the program you will gain bona-fide field experience with sharks and their environments

Please request a program synopsis using the contact form at the bottom of this page to get far greater insight into the program.

Who is the program for?

Over 18’s, in good health, good swimming ability and an affinity for the ocean. If you are considering a career that involves being in the ocean, then this program will benefit you.

If you would like to be in this picture then contact us to book your spot

For example:

Early career marine biologists

Marine field guides

Dive instructors/dm's/divers

Shark fanatics

Gap year students

Volunteers

Do I need a Scuba qualification?

No, the ocean practicals are all snorkel based (bubbles scare sharks!). You can learn to scuba dive or do some casual scuba dives on your off days.

You will receive freediver training and certification from and accredited freediving instructor. This course will enable you to dive comfortably between 5-10m.

What is the accommodation like?

You will be situated within the guest lodge located next the Sharklife Ocean Center. You will have your own room which is small yet secure and private. Your room is serviced daily and clean linen provided every 3 days. There are three separate ablution blocks shared among 4 interns as well as a communal swimming pool, lounge and kitchen. The lodge has WiFi and satellite TV. There are shops and bars within walking distance of the lodge.

Flight Details?

You need to fly into Durban King Shaka International Airport, abbreviated KSIA, it is normal to have a stop over in Johannesburg then connect to Durban.

NB! Please book flights to arrive as early as possible in Durban, we have a 4 hour drive back to Sodwana Bay.

A Sharklife staff member will pick you up from the airport on your arrival day.

What is available in Sodwana Bay?

There are most products and services available within walking distance of the accommodation.

Do I need a Visa?

Nationals of the following 48 countries/territories who hold valid national passports are not required to obtain South African visas for visits of up to 90 days:

African Union Laissez PasserAfrican Union Laissez PasserAndorraAngola (ordinary passports 90 days per annum visits not to exceed 30 days)ArgentinaAustraliaAustriaBelgiumBotswanaBrazilCanadaChile (only ordinary passport holders)Czech RepublicDenmarkEcuadorFinlandFranceGermany (except in diplomatic staff due to assume duty at the Embassy and Consulates of Germany in SA)GreeceIcelandIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanLiechtensteinLuxemburgMalta MonacoNamibia (only ordinary passport holders 90 days per annum)NetherlandsNorway Panama Paraguay PortugalRussian Federation San MarinoSingaporeSpainSt Vincent & the GrenadinesSwedenSwitzerlandTanzania (90 days per annum)Trinidad & Tobago (only ordinary passport holders)United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (only ordinary passport holders) British Islands Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey, Isle of Man. British Oversees Territories namely: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena and Dependencies (Ascension Island, Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha), Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, the Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the Turks and Caicos Island.United States of America (except in respect of diplomatic staff due to assume duty at the Embassy and Consulates of the USA in SA, as well as service passport holders)UruguayVenezuelaZambia (90 days per annum)Zimbabwe

Deposit and Cancellation?

A non-refundable 50% deposit needs to be paid within one week of being accepted into the program. The remaining fee must be paid in full 3 weeks prior to arrival date.

Please be advised that refunds will be handled on a case by case basis. Letting us know as soon as possible will be much appreciated.

When is the best time?

Although seasonal changes in Sodwana Bay are mild there is a change in the sea conditions and shark abundance during the year.

Generally the best months are between Jan-July, but its not imperative.

A typical day?

Your days will be divided into land days and ocean days, depending on weather conditions.

Typical Land Day: 09:00-16:00

Theory sessions are given in our auditorium using graphics, videos and models to enhance your theoretical understanding of sharks. Interns use this opportunity to ask questions and discuss prevalent conservation topics. Interns are also tasked with collating research data and developing reports and findings.

We then move to the lab where we conduct various examinations of the specimens we have preserved, either frozen, dried or in solution. We currently have 4 coastal sharks (tiger, bull, raggie, hammerhead) and 3 ray species, which enable interns to get a feel of the various anatomical features.

The rest of the day may be allocated to extra activities happening in the center at the time such as; assisting with school groups, museum display development, boat maintenance etc.

Typical Ocean Day: 07:00 - 14:00

After preparing the boat and equipment for sea we head to the beach. Interns assist directly with all beach and boating logistics. We launch through the surf and make our way along the coastline to the designated study area. We conduct various in water surveys, record sightings data, location and environmental conditions. Interns get the opportunity to develop seamanship skills and encounter a wide variety of marine life.

Typical day off?

The most popular free-time activity is a day trip to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve. The park is home to Africa's big five game: elephant, rhinoceros (black/hook-lipped and white/square-lipped), Cape buffalo, lion and leopard.

You can just relax on the pristine beaches of Sodwana Bay.

For the more adventurous, you can embark on a microlight flight over the coastline.

There are also quad bike tours of the local lake systems and forests.

You can scuba dive on the world renowned reefs of Sodwana Bay.

Do I need vaccinations?

Depending on where you are coming from there are a few vaccinations that you may need. Check the link below for more information.